The Folkungs by Javits Margaretha Espersson

Author:Javits, Margaretha Espersson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: BookBaby
Published: 2021-06-02T00:00:00+00:00

Kristina sank gratefully into the warm tub. Erik and Valdemar had been right when they had warned her of an uncomfortable journey. The sea voyage had been windy and blistering cold. Luckily, it was bathing day in Stockholm castle, affording her a steaming bath the moment they arrived. She wondered how long she would need to linger in the tub to feel like a human being again.

“I am so happy you came,” exclaimed Marta who had finished her bath and was already combing her long, wet hair by the fire. They were alone in the bathhouse, as the lesser ladies would follow later. “ Did you see how the boys have grown?” she asked proudly. Marta seemed childishly happy to have Kristina back again, and Kristina could not sense the slightest tension in her voice. But then, maybe Birger kept problems to himself, just as his brothers did. It was clear that she would learn nothing from Marta.

When Ragna arrived with more hot water Kristina welcomed her with a contented sigh. She closed her eyes and curled deeper into the warmth. Marta slipped on her padded robe, wrapped a towel around her head, and pulled on her slippers. “Enjoy your bath,” she said as she prepared to leave. “Come and see me when you have finished.”

Kristina nodded and relaxed. She was blissfully dozing when she heard the door open and saw her stepmother enter. “Lady Hedvig,” she exclaimed in surprise on seeing her father’s wife. “I did not expect to see you here.”

“Greetings, Kristina,” cooed Hedvig as she threw off her robe and stepped into another tub which two ladies-in-waiting were filling with steaming water. “I got bored at home, so I came to court for a little amusement. Ah, this is lovely,” she said as she sank down in her tub.

“How are you finding the Swedish court?” Kristina asked, eager to continue the conversation and guessing Hedvig was the one person who would speak freely if she knew anything of the problems troubling Erik and Valdemar. “Some interesting things are going on,” noted Kristina searchingly.

“So, you have already noticed.”

“Yes, but I still do not know who sent the spy they all seem so upset about,” Kristina ventured audaciously.

“I am sure you do not want to believe that brothers spy on brothers, but it is not uncommon. I imagine that the dukes did not relish being found out and will continue to deny the spy was theirs.” Hedvig fell silent as Ragna and the ladies-in-waiting returned with more hot water. “Do not fret, Kristina. Your husband might have lost some influence, but your father is in a stronger position than ever,” continued Hedvig after the ladies had left. “Your father’s present position almost makes up for what I was originally promised. Of course, nothing makes up for a crown, but your father is almost wearing one, the way the king follows his advice.”

Her father almost a king? Kristina was at a loss until she remembered what Valdemar had referred to as a conspiracy between Count Jakob and her father.

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